By Melissa
Fellini's Satyricon might be one of the most perplexing movies I have ever seen. It takes place in first century Rome. It is the story of two student friends, Encolpio and Ascilto, who argue about ownership of the boy Gitone. They once lived together and co-owner the boy but they divide their belongings and split up. The boy, allowed to choose who he goes with, chooses Ascilto. Only a sudden earthquake saves Encolpio from suicide.
The movie follows Encolpio through a series of adventures, where he is eventually reunited with Ascilto, and which culminates in them helping a man kidnap a hermaphrodite demi-god from a temple. The god dies, and as punishment Encolpio becomes impotent. We then follow them in search of a cure for his impotence. The movie is very well done but at times hard to fallow.
The characters within the movie are rather odd. I was happy to see displays of homosexuality throughout the movie. It was accepted and openly displayed. There was even a scene where a gay marriage took place openly on a ship. It seemed as though homosexuality was the norm for the Romans.
At one point a man said to his wife, " I bought you and turned you into a human being". That was to say that the slaves and women were seen as less than human at points until a man showed them favor. The people within the movie were rather animalistic and seemed to fallow only the needs of their id. This included lust, sex, aggression, passion, anger and so many other basic needs/emotions.
Eros was seen as a god to worship. If he showed you favor life would be full of riches, blessings, and happiness. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry I guess.
What a movie...
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